In Pennsylvania Accident and Health Insurance education,prosthodonticsis defined as the branch of dentistry that deals with thereplacement of missing teeth and oral structures. This specialty focuses on restoring oral function, appearance, and comfort through devices such as dentures, bridges, crowns, and dental implants. Dental insurance policies regulated under Pennsylvania guidelines frequently reference prosthodontic services as major restorative procedures.

The other options represent different dental specialties. Periodontics focuses on gum disease and supporting structures of the teeth. Endodontics deals with diseases of the tooth pulp, including root canal therapy. Orthodontics is concerned with the alignment of teeth and jaws using braces or similar devices. None of these specialties primarily involve replacing missing teeth.

Understanding these distinctions is important when reviewing dental coverage, benefit schedules, and exclusions within health insurance policies. Prosthodontic services are often subject to waiting periods, higher coinsurance, or annual maximums under Pennsylvania-regulated dental plans. Therefore,prosthodonticsis the correct and verified answer based on Pennsylvania Life, Accident, and Health Insurance study materials.